So, the 2013 NSS is over. It was a whirlwind of work and excitement that built up to a great 4 days at the Javits Center. We were very happy with how everything worked out for us at the show and had an overall very positive experience. In addition to meeting the owners and representatives of some great shops (many of whom we are very excited to begin working with!); we also connected with other talented designers and printers and even made a few new friends. It was a culmination of months of planning and prepping that was very fulfilling to finally see the fruits of. Here are some images from the show:
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We registered for the NSS a little bit later than would be advised (December), but made a detailed plan of action to get everything ready in just 5 1/2 months. We wanted to roll out a new line of stationery, so we started with nothing but designing for the first two months, then spent a month printing. With many late night sessions and working throughout the weekends, we managed to met the deadlines we set for ourselves without having to sacrifice any quality or even cut back on the amount of designs that we wanted to print. We finished with 22 new products.
We were elated to get the printing done just one day past our unofficial deadline and begin hacking away at the long list of details that needed to be squared away, including the big one: the booth. We wanted to design something that would reflect the aesthetic of Nightingale Projects and stand out, while also being quick to assemble. Folding wooden walls were what we decided to go with.
We were elated to get the printing done just one day past our unofficial deadline and begin hacking away at the long list of details that needed to be squared away, including the big one: the booth. We wanted to design something that would reflect the aesthetic of Nightingale Projects and stand out, while also being quick to assemble. Folding wooden walls were what we decided to go with.
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The corner panels of the walls folded out horizontally like a book and acted as anchors for the center and end panels, which folded up vertically. Everything snapped together with carriage bolts and wing nuts, making for quick set up. Luckily, we have plenty of space in our loft/studio and were able to set the whole structure up and do a couple of dry runs to practice putting it all together.
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Having a large work space really came in handy for building and finishing the booth. We were able to set the whole booth up in Adam's studio and take our time with the fireproofing, painting, and finish work. The walls were painted a dark grey and light grey rectangles/borders were painted behind where each card was to be placed. We decided on the placement of each card and numbered all of the spaces, so on installation day, it would just be a manner of attaching the cards to the wall. Tiny shelves were cut for each card and all of the signage was hand-painted. Details such as these, custom tables that we made, and a subtle silhouette of mountains painted at the bottom; really brought the look of the booth together. Nicole's experience in high end retail display was extremely helpful in getting everything just right.
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We decided to crate our booth and drop it off at the Javits ourselves since we are just across the river in Newark. This part we were a bit nervous about, since most of the exhibitors that we spoke to advised against it. With Adam's experience in art handling/shipping, we were able to pack everything safely into one crate and come up with a logistical plan. We packed the crate the night before our delivery date, in the hallway by our building's freight elevator. The crate was pretty large and heavy, but luckily our gracious neighbors and landlords allowed us to store it there overnight. This became a game of inches for us: the walls just fit in the crate with everything else, the crate just fit in the freight elevator and then just fit into the rental truck. (we even just made it to the rental location in time to pick up the truck!) On the delivery date, everything went incredibly smooth, including the loading of the crate (which was building up in our minds as a scary proposition, considering the weight.)
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The drop off at the Javits was very quick and smooth. We were prepared to spend most of the day waiting in line with other truckers, but got there early and were off-loaded in a matter of minutes. The teamsters and everybody else at the Javits Center were incredibly nice and helpful. We had planned to only be able to drop off our crate on Friday, then come back and do all of the set up on Saturday. Since we were able to drop off our crate by 8:30, we were able to return our truck to Newark, stop at our favorite cafe (Suissa's), and get back to The City and get most of the set up done on Friday. We didn't have much to finish on Saturday, but we were too excited to stay home too long. It was exhilarating to finally be on the convention floor and setting up our goods, amongst other printers and designers that we have been fans of for years.
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The show was a blast and we didn't want it to end, but alas, we had to start dismantling on Wednesday. We were surprised to see how quickly the show floor dismantled and turned into a work zone immediately at 12:00. Most of our neighbors were packed up and out of there fairly quickly. We dismantled quickly, but then had to wait literally 5 hours to receive our crate back to our booth. We were expecting this, so we took it in stride and got some reading/planning done while sitting about the rubble of our booth. I think next year, we might try loading out of the front of the building with smaller bins, rather than the large crate. It's nice to be done with the process and logistics of the NSS and start filling the many orders we received from the show. Before we know it though, it will be time to re-register and start planning for the next one. We are looking forward to the year to come and returning to the National Stationery Show next year bigger and better than ever.
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